Clouds Associated With Temporary Deterioration

What appears here to be a lake of multicoloured water is, in fact nearly bone-dry. As the inland ocean covering what is now the Canadian prairies... more

by Gordon J Weber

Title

Clouds Associated With Temporary Deterioration

Artist

Gordon J Weber

Medium

Painting - Oil On Panel

Description

What appears here to be a lake of multicoloured water is, in fact nearly bone-dry. As the inland ocean covering what is now the Canadian prairies dried, vast salt water lakes were left behind. These alkali lakes are a study in ecosystems. Moving out from the centre, where the salinity is so great that a germ cannot survive, we encounter ever-increasing numbers and varieties of life forms, until we reach the amazingly fertile and diverse coulees.

Part of my series "PEACE AND POWER", (see the write-up for the watercolour of the same name), this large painting, ( 4' X 5.5') is global in symbolic context but autobiographical in specific content. The context is the balance of power between Mother Earth and humankind. The power of humankind is so great, perhaps the greatest animal power ever, that we can alter our environment at will. The power of Mother Earth is the power of the Universe and dwarfs ours. Respect for our own power is vital if we are to use it benevolently. If we do use our powers properly, and at the same time respect the powers of Mother Earth, we can luxuriate her beauty and benevolence. If we do not understand and respect the balance of these powers, either violently or slowly, Mother Earth will correct the imbalance.

As for the autobiographical aspect of this painting, I offer anyone interested the accompanying poem ....

CLOUDS ASSOCIATED WITH
TEMPORARY DETERIORATION

i hear
the grumbling end of summer roll up the valley wall
thunder heading past me diminishing toward fall

i smell
the sizzling scent of sweet grass in its final stage
altering the fragrance of the always ageing sage

i watch
the wind turning grass to ocean
push against a crows forward motion

i taste
the change of season unfettered in the air
receiving and rejecting it with automatic care

i touch
the hem of heaven as the wind blows on my face
caressed then cut by the contrasts swirling in its grace

i am
all these changes that blow within this wind
passing through a barbed wire fence
not caring where its pinned

Uploaded

December 16th, 2014